Healthy weight is a range, not a number
Screening guidance defines a healthy adult weight as the span that corresponds to a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 for a given height. At 1.70 m that is roughly 54 to 72 kg; at 5 ft 10 in it is roughly 129 to 173 lb.
The width of that range is deliberate. Frame size, muscle mass and body composition all move where a healthy weight sits for an individual within it.
Working out your own range
Rearranging the BMI formula gives the range directly: multiply your height in metres squared by 18.5 for the lower bound, and by 24.9 for the upper bound. In imperial units, multiply height in inches squared by 18.5 ÷ 703 and 24.9 ÷ 703.
- 1.60 m (5 ft 3 in): about 47 to 64 kg / 104 to 141 lb.
- 1.70 m (5 ft 7 in): about 54 to 72 kg / 118 to 159 lb.
- 1.80 m (5 ft 11 in): about 60 to 81 kg / 133 to 178 lb.
- 1.90 m (6 ft 3 in): about 67 to 90 kg / 148 to 198 lb.
Measures that matter alongside weight
Waist-to-height ratio is a useful companion: keeping waist circumference below half of height is a widely used rule of thumb for central adiposity. Blood pressure, resting energy, sleep quality and physical capability describe health that the scale never captures.
Choosing a personal target sensibly
A target you can maintain with habits you actually enjoy beats a lower number you can only reach through restriction. Research on weight management consistently shows that a 5 to 10 percent reduction in body weight already delivers meaningful health benefits for people above the healthy range.
If you are unsure where your target should sit, a qualified healthcare professional can weigh your history, medications and health markers in a way that a formula cannot.
Frequently asked questions
Is there one ideal weight for my height?
No. Guidance defines a healthy range for each height, and where you sit inside it depends on body composition and personal health markers.
What if I am just above the healthy range?
A modest 5 to 10 percent reduction, achieved gradually, is the commonly cited threshold for measurable health improvements.
Does the range differ by age?
Adult ranges are the same across adulthood, though older adults are often advised against aggressive weight loss because of muscle and bone loss risk.
Keep reading
- How to Calculate Your BMI Correctly — The formula, common errors, and how to read the result.
- How Much Weight Can You Safely Lose Per Week? — Realistic weekly rates and why faster is rarely better.
- Setting Realistic Weight Loss Goals — Turning a target into a timeline you can actually keep.
Educational only — not medical, nutritional, or fitness advice. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing diet, exercise, supplement, or medication routines.